Messages - Angela

You're in a really tough position. I know you want to be as safe as possible. I think you need to talk to your OB. Let his/her office know that you need at least a 15 minute phone call to talk this through. Like you said, we can't provide any medical advice. My suggestion is to ask your OB what the standard procedure in Canada would be. Would it be the same as the treatment you are receiving now?

In the U.S., you wouldn't be put on hospital bedrest at 30 weeks with a 2.26 cervix unless you had bleeding or leaking fluid, or very high blood pressure. They would tell you to take it easy/lay down at home and call them if you were to continue to have contractions. You would NOT be hooked up to an IV, and you wouldn't be given any shots every few hours. You might be put on a medication that helps reduce contractions, but ONLY if that is an issue. Also, you have the right to refuse the IV.

PLEASE PLEASE call your doctor. You doctor MUST tell you what s/he would do if you should up at his or her office with the same symptoms. Has s/he talked to the doctors in Greece? And received ALL test results? Is your doctor concerned about you flying? How long is the flight? Could you stay at a hotel nearby? Again, I can't provide medical advice. Only you and your doctor can decide what is best. Let me know how it goes. Sending prayers.

I hope each of you will schedule something today to anticipate, and then tell us what you did. For example:

*Order a new book/movie/game that you have been wanting.*Have a great friend bring you lunch or dinner from a favorite place.*Ask someone to finally take care of that thing around the house that has been driving you crazy but you just haven't felt comfortable asking.

Remember that you are an important person doing an important job! Don't hesitate to ask for the care and attention you need.

If you're reading this, I hope you will post a message here. Something as simple as telling us how far along you are and how long you've been on bed rest helps other moms to know they aren't alone in this. Keep 'em cookin', mamas!

Happy Monday! And welcome to another month! So here's something new... I have been hosting the Live Chat at 2 pm Eastern on Tuesdays for years and years. Starting this week, I'm changing it to Thursdays at 2 pm. Will that work better for you all? Who can make it this week?

Let us know how you're doing... AND let us know what you're eating. What kinds of meals and snacks are easiest to prepare (or not have to prepare) on bed rest or limited activity?

Welcome to our new members! Thanks for joining, and I hope to see your Monday updates here each week! It's a great way to get to know the other bedrest moms.

So ladies, let us know how many weeks along you are. What are you looking forward to this week?

I hope we'll have a great turnout tomorrow on the Live Chat. It's so much fun when we can get three or four moms on at once. Please take a moment to set an alarm on your phone. See you there! http://www.keepemcookin.com/live-chat/

Hi, Chelsea.I completely understand how you're feeling and I know many moms here have felt those same emotions. The guilt, feeling like you failed somehow and that feeling of just wanting it all to be over. A high-risk pregnancy wears you down emotionally, no doubt. Then the things you would normally do to lift your mood (like exercise, shopping, going out with friends) are all off limits. No one knows how hard it is.

If you can accept what is out of your hands, that helps. I wish I had done that so much earlier.

It also helps to control what you CAN: eating well, inviting friends over, and checking in with your OB whenever you have ANY concerns. Are you checking your blood pressure at home? I had pre-e and the symptoms worsened quickly. Not to be a negative Nellie! Ask your family to keep an eye on you too for any symptoms: https://bit.ly/2opsa99

One other suggestion for helping your stress might be to check out the book called "Pregnancy Brain." The author is a friend and colleague of mine and the book is all about managing stress during a high-risk pregnancy. She has some exercises that you can do right then and there to shift what your body is experiencing. Here's a link: https://amzn.to/2xGp6ef

You must be so emotionally and physically drained with all you've been through the past few weeks and now the PPROM. What are the docs telling you so far? Any signs of infection? I'm guessing they're giving you antibiotics to avoid that. How are your fluid levels? The amniotic fluid continues to be produced, so hopefully they will stay steady. Thank goodness your cervix is closed!

How are you keeping busy in the hospital? Are you having visitors? I hope you're staying social, even if you don't feel like it. Being around other people will help to keep you positive and motivated.

Hi! I am sorry you have had such a tough time with your pregnancies. I'm guessing your OB will be keeping a close eye on you, which is certainly an advantage this time around. You're also doing a great job staying in tune with what you're feeling and getting checked out. Keep it up! In this group, I have seen several women go on for another month or more with dilating to 4 cm. Sending you positive thoughts that you'll get there, too!